magazine
21
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Who’s
there?
Smartphones are driving a world of
innovation in the home. A recent
example is the i-Bell Wi-Fi Doorbell,
soon to be launched on crowdfunding
site Kickstarter.
The wireless camera doorbell lets
you see and communicate with people
on your doorstep, even if you are on the
other side of the world. You could use
it to tell the postman where to leave
a package or tell a caller you will be
back in a couple of minutes. You could
even use it to screen visitors and decide
whether or not to open the door.
The i-Bell works with any
smartphone, tablet or PC and is
compatible with Apple’s recently
announced HomeKit.
Call blocker for
vulnerable adults
CPR Global, a supplier of call blocking
equipment, has launched a new model
specifically for vulnerable adults that
is claimed to block 100% of scam
calls. The CPR Call Blocker Protect+
takes away the need to make a
decision over which call to block as it
blocks all numbers other than those
pre-programmed into the device.
All of CPR’s Call Blocking devices
plug into a landline. They can block any
cold caller and prevent any area code,
any group of numbers including spoof
numbers, withheld, international calls and
VoIP (internet) calls from getting through.
Plugged in
In response to the proliferation of digital devices and the
need for reliable internet access at all times, Sagemcom
offers a range of plugs that let you create an Ethernet
network across electrical wiring in homes and offices
without the need for any additional wiring.
The Sagem F@ST PLUG range also includes adapters that
can extend aWiFi network to the furthest reaches of a house.
The plugs use Power Line Technology and are compatible
with the HomePlug standard. They have a range of up to 200
metres and support point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
connections.
IP DECT/WiFi handset
NEC has expanded its mobility
portfolio with the launch of an IP
DECT/WiFi handset that combines the
mobility of DECT with the flexibility of
WiFi and an Android operating system.
The G966 handset takes advantage
of CAT-iq HD-Voice quality and includes
UC functionality and features, such as
central directory access, presence look-
up, messaging with priority indication
and confirmation, SOS personal alarming
and localisation by IP DECT RSSI/
triangulation.
The G966’s WiFi capabilities and
Android OS expand on this functionality
by providing users with access to vital
business applications; integration with
NEC UC platforms, such as UNIVERGE
3C Mobile Client; the company’s
intranet; and VoWiFi-based Android
application support.
Bert van Koelen, global business
manager mobility at NEC Enterprise
Solutions, said: “Our latest G966 DECT
handset empowers the so-called Smart
Enterprise. Integration with industry-
and business-specific applications drives
business process enhancements and
ensures higher safety and service levels.”
Anything you can do...
Thin client users can enjoy the same
flexibility that PC users enjoy when
connecting to wireless networks
following the launch of IGEL Café
Wireless.
IGEL already offers a Universal
Desktop Converter 2 (UDC2) for
converting PCs and x86-compatible
notebooks into mobile thin clients with
the same security and management
benefits as the rest of the IGEL
portfolio.
Now, with the launch of IGEL Café
Wireless, mobile workers can connect
converted thin client notebooks to
WLAN networks in hotel rooms, cafés
and offices.
An integrated roaming function
that automatically connects to pre-set
wireless networks offers even greater
convenience. Settings can be monitored
and distributed among devices in a
centralised manner using the central
UMS management tool.
Part of the latest firmware update
for IGEL Linux (5.03.100), IGEL Café
Wireless is available free of charge.
Furniture specification guide
The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has
launched a new online guide to the procurement of contract
and educational furniture for offices, hospitals, care homes
and schools.
The National Furniture Specifications (NFS) Guide covers
everything you need to know about procuring contract and
educational furniture, including the factors to consider at the
tendering stage; what to look for in a supplier; how to evaluate
bids and shortlist products; certification schemes; preparing
and reviewing tenders; choosing your final product; and a list of
current standards for furniture.
FIRA director Phil Reynolds said: “There are many things
to take into consideration when specifying furniture, such as
ergonomics, sustainability criteria, the frequency of use, average
length of time in use and the end-users. Specifications and
tender documents can be complex to write, with a requirement
to include the correct British, European and International
furniture standards.”
He added: “With regular changes to standards and little room
for error, suppliers find that the knock-on effect of an incorrect
specification can be expensive and time consuming for everyone
involved. NFS is a resource which is available to everyone and
our aim is that by using this resource you can create a furniture
specification that ensures all products specified are suitable for
their intended use and fit for purpose.”
